GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It's no trick: That special airplane mode on your phone or tablet finally might further serve its purpose following new Federal Aviation Administration rules allowing the use of portable electronics in flight.

The federal agency announced Thursday that passengers may use their devices, including tablets, laptops, cell phones and other electronics, below 10,000 feet and during takeoff and landing.

Although it's probably not too much of a stretch to say flyers have seen other passengers — or themselves — use such increasingly popular devices in flight without harm, NBC News reports the FAA says risk assessments indicate they pose no significant risk to the plane.

There are caveats, however: Devices must operate in "airplane mode" without a cellular signal. Texts and phone calls still aren't allowed.

Don't expect the rules to be eased today as the FAA says it'll be up to each individual airline to ensure their fleet is tested and approved by the end of the year, said Tara Hernandez, Gerald R. Ford International Airport's spokeswoman.

Ford Airport on Thursday, Oct. 31, posted a link to the FAA's announcement on its Facebook page and on Twitter, and that will probably be the extent of advertising it does, Hernandez said.

Flight attendants and the airlines operating at the airport will inform their passengers when they allow the devices, she added.

NBC News reports Delta Air Lines, which operates out of Ford Airport, says its fleet has completed "portable electronic devices tolerance testing" and sent its plan to the FAA for approval.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking and general police/fire news for MLive | The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.